The iPhone 5 hit stores almost three weeks ago, but Apple has been slow in stocking cases, screen covers, and other accessories.

Why the delay? Apple has to certify and approve every product sold in its stores, including those from third parties. And that process can be a lengthy one.

A salesman at my local Apple store told me last week that he expects cases to arrive within the next two or three weeks. He also explained Apple's need to ensure that every product sold in its stores meets a certain standard and level of quality.

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Of course, plenty of other retailers have been carrying cases for the iPhone 5.

I bought a case for the new phone at a third-party store. It serves the purpose of protecting the phone's new aluminum siding from scuff marks, a complaint among many iPhone 5 owners. But I usually find a more varied and higher-quality collection of cases at the Apple store.

And though I can always buy one online, I prefer to shop in a brick-and-mortar outlet where I can try out the cases to find the right one.

About the author

Journalist, software trainer, and Web developer Lance Whitney writes columns and reviews for CNET, Computer Shopper, Microsoft TechNet, and other technology sites. His first book, "Windows 8 Five Minutes at a Time," was published by Wiley & Sons in November 2012.
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